Kingston Classic organizers seeking volunteers

KINGSTON, N.Y. -- Any race director with common sense knows that the lifeblood of organizing a successful road race depends on the quantity and quality of volunteers.

People who show up to help with all of the nuts and bolts of putting on a race get little of the glory, but certainly put their blood, sweat and tears into the event.

The Kiwanis Club of Kingston is well aware of the importance of a strong volunteer staff and for the second year in a row, the club sponsored a volunteer information session this past Tuesday at St. Joseph's School in Kingston for next Sunday's Kiwanis Kingston Classic 10k.

According to Classic course director Carlos Perez, the session gives volunteers an opportunity to learn about how they can help out at the race and receive some pre-race instruction.

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"We had a great turnout (this year) with about 35 people showing up," Perez said. "A little more than half of them had volunteered last year."

Perez said laying out the potential responsibilities is the most important part of the training.

"We reviewed a similiar presentation to last year that included the weekend schedule," he said. "We also did how to contact and get help in an emergency, water stops and water stop techniques, traffic control, finish line assistance and celebrating at the post race party."

Perez said there was interest throughout all facets of those responsibilities and many people seemed excited about their assignments.

"After we were done, we enjoyed pizza and drinks and got a chance to talk a lot about the race," he added.

Through Thursday, 787 competitors had already pre-registered for the 10k and the accompanying 2.1-mile fun run.

As an extra added bonus this year, one lucky volunteer stands to walk about with a new television.

"Any volunteer who helps out on race weekend will be entered into a raffle to win a flat-screen TV," Perez said. "We'll be making that announcement at the post race party."

Despite the turnout at the session, Perez said the race can always use more volunteers.

"We could use about 30 more volunteers to be on the safe side," Perez said.